Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Strategies in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: A Literature Review

Objective: This literature review summarizes the recent treatment approach of neural circuit manipulation with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Methods: A PubMed query was conducted with the search terms “anorexia nervosa” and “transcranial magnetic stimulation.” Three authors systematically evaluated the search results to determine eligibility for inclusion. Results: Of 33 studies identified in the search, 16 primary studies were eligible for inclusion. The application of rTMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and the insula were investigated in 11, four, and one of the studies, respectively. Conclusions: Findings indicated that rTMS is safe for patients with anorexia nervosa and well tolerated, but large randomized controlled trials comparing real versus sham rTMS of various brain regions are needed.